2013—Consumed: Justin Marable & Juniper Tangpuz

Have fun discussing dozens of very creative works of art that tell stories about the past, present and future. What impact does human consumption have on the Earth? How will humans adapt to land and energy consumption?

Artists Justin Marable and Juniper Tangpuz mix things up: historic periods, ecosystems, and animals and machines that wouldn’t be together – even a unicorn! The artists have researched the many historic periods of Kansas, from the Western Inland Sea where mosasaurs swam to the open prairie where the bison roamed. Their work combines details from those time periods, plus our own era of buildings, roads, agriculture and industry. For example, Marable has created a 6-foot mixed media work depicting a lone bison on suburban sprawl in Overland Park.

“Both of us internalize our surroundings and reflect it back out to the world through art. My highest hope is that the audience will do the same with the work and reflect on their part in this contemporary world of consumerism,” Marable said. “Consumerism is deeply ingrained in human culture and often times people, including myself, don’t slow down enough to really know their true impact on the earth and environment.”

Imagine if animals adapted in different ways, if a pterosaur had solar panels on its wings, if a bison were combined with an oil derrick or if mosasaurs still swam above our cornfields. This exhibit makes you imagine “what if.” Tangpuz’s well-engineered 3-D diorama captures the native vs. man-made feel of this exhibit in a quirky but thought-provoking way.This is the first time the two artists, who met at the University of Kansas, have shown together.

“I’m looking forward to having community members wander in and be surprised and possibly changed, even in the smallest way, in the course of their experience and interaction with the art,” Marable said.

Marable initiated Re:Think Topeka! with his wife, Bailey. His work is inspired by the Pop artists of the 1960s, who made art inspired by everyday imagery. Marable portrays Kansas landscape and other subjects with photographic transfer, silkscreen and painting.

Tangpuz uses recycled corrugated plastic, found objects and twist ties to create large sculptures of flowers, animals and machines. Both artists collaborate on charming, whimsical pieces and get us thinking.

Related Events

Opening Reception & First Friday ArtwalkFriday | April 5 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | Sabatini Gallery
Bring a friend and start your artwalk at the library. Our large parking lot makes carpooling easy and convenient. We will have light refreshments, music, and both Justin and Juniper on hand to visit about their work. Light refreshments will be served.

7th Annual Edible Book FestivalFriday | April 5 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | Marvin Auditorium
It’s a simple recipe for fun: 1 book + 1 idea + edible ingredients. All ages are welcome to participate in transforming any book into a culinary masterpiece based on the content or appearance of your book, from puns to literal interpretations. Sign up by April 4 to participate, otherwise swing by to vote, visit, and have fun. This is one of our most popular programs—and it’s FREE. Check out past years for ideas. Register: 785-580-4515.

World, Art, & You | Mixed Media with Justin MarableSunday | April 21 | 2 – 4 PM | Lingo Story Room
In this hands-on workshop for teens and adults, artist Justin Marable will teach you how to silk screen, create image transfers, and demonstrate the process he uses in his own multi-media artworks. Using photocopy transfers, simple screen printing techniques, colored pencil, and acrylic paint, you will leave knowing how to make simple, collage-style artwork on paper using drawing, printmaking, and painting. Free, but registration required: 785-580-4515.

Curate This! Opening Reception & First Friday ArtwalkFriday | May 3 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | Sabatini Gallery
Come see our new permanent collection exhibit curated by area high school students! And if you haven’t been in to see Consumed, swing by with a friend and start your Topeka artwalk at the library. Our large parking lot makes carpooling easy and convenient. Light refreshments will be served.